The resignation of the Chair and other members of The Nation Municipality’s Library Board has led to municipal council deciding to close all three public library branches for three months.

On Monday, December 9, 2024, council decided to temporarily close its library branches effective January 1, 2025, until March 31, 2025, due to governance challenges at the library board level. 

This decision follows the resignation of the Library Board Chair and other members, along with the upcoming retirement of the long-serving Library Chief Executive Officer. The Library Board confirmed that no succession planning was in place, leaving the library without the necessary leadership required under the Public Libraries Act. It is the legal responsibility of the Library Board, not the municipal council, to oversee the library’s operations, including budget management, staffing, and long-term planning.

During the closure, the municipality will launch a recruitment campaign to attract new community members to join the library board. At the same time, the municipality will explore partnerships with neighbouring library boards to improve service delivery. These efforts aim to develop governance models that better align with the needs and expectations of our residents.

“We understand that libraries are an important service for our residents, and we regret the temporary disruption this closure will cause. However, as a municipal council, we have a duty to ensure that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and that the necessary governance structures are in place. This pause will allow us to reestablish a strong board and build a sustainable future for our library services,” Mayor Francis Brière said.

Residents of The Nation can continue accessing library services through neighbouring municipalities, which offer extended hours and additional options. The Nation Municipality will reimburse membership fees incurred for these services, with further details about the reimbursement process to follow. 

Regular updates will be shared through The Nation Municipality’s website and social media channels to keep the community informed. Residents are encouraged to reach out with questions or concerns using the contact information below. Details for those interested in joining the library board will be shared in the near future.

The Nation’s three library branches are located in Limoges, St-Albert, and St-Isidore.

The cost of library services is funded through taxpayer dollars, with a proposed allocation of approximately $650,000 for the 2025 operating budget. Council has significantly reduced this amount until a new library board is established. 

The proposed budget originally supported the following public service hours at each branch:

  • Limoges Branch: 23 hours per week
  • St-Albert Branch: 22 hours per week
  • St-Isidore Branch: 28 hours per week